Bachelor of Arts in Iberian and Latin American Cultures

The major in Iberian and Latin American Cultures (ILAC) requires 60 units of course work. Courses must be taken for a letter grade, and a maximum of 20 units of course work from abroad may be applied towards the major. At the discretion of the Chair of Undergraduate Studies, up to 10 units of course work from outside the department, clearly related to the study of literature and culture in the areas and traditions taught by the department, may be counted towards the degree. The core courses (requirements 1, 2, 3 and 4 below) may not be taken abroad. Exceptional cases for any of these requirements must be referred to the Chair of Undergraduate Studies who, in consultation with the department Director, makes a final decision.

PREREQUISITES

For all ILAC courses taught in Spanish, students must have successfully completed SPANLANG 102 or successfully tested above this level through the Language Center.

How to Declare a MajorStudents declare the major in Axess and are required to meet with the Chair of Undergraduate Studies.

Double MajorsThe major in ILAC is designed to combine with a second major in another field and with study abroad. Students may not count the same courses to fulfill requirements in both majors.

GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Writing in the Major (WIM): 5 units are required, and this is a prerequisite for every course in the major; however, concurrent enrollment is allowed.

A senior seminar, ILAC 278 or 278A. Topics vary. Two options are offered each year.

Up to three language courses (not including conversational courses) in Spanish, Portuguese, or Catalan (SPANLANG/PORTLANG/CATLANG), including SPANLANG 102, may count toward the major.

Additional 100- or 200-level ILAC literature courses above 100 to complete the required 60 units. One course above 100 and one core course, or consent of the instructor, are prerequisites for 200-level courses. When choosing courses, students are encouraged to consult the Chair of Undergraduate Studies who makes recommendations about a course of study related to the student's academic interests. IHUM courses taught at least partially by a faculty member of the department, or 10 units of SLE may count towards these electives.

HONORS PROGRAM

ILAC majors with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in major courses may apply to the honors program in Spring Quarter of the junior year. Students should submit an application for the honors program and a proposal outline and may enroll for 2 units of ILAC 189B for the drafting or revision of the thesis proposal and preliminary research.

Honors students are encouraged to participate in the honors college coordinated by the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages and offered at the end of the summer before the senior year. In Autumn Quarter of the senior year, students must enroll in DLCL 189, a 5-unit seminar that focuses on researching and writing the honors thesis. Students then enroll for 5 units of credit in ILAC 189A while composing the thesis during Winter Quarter.

Each honors student must write a substantial honors essay under the direction of a faculty member who serves as adviser, and the completed thesis must be submitted by the end of Winter Quarter. Students who do not enroll in an ILAC 189B course in the junior year may enroll in ILAC 189B in Spring Quarter of the senior year while revising the thesis, if approved by the thesis adviser.

A total of 10-12 units are awarded for completion of honors course work, independent study, and the finished thesis. Students should consult their undergraduate advisers for additional information on the honors program.